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Cranberry Orange Cookies

These delightful Cranberry Orange Cookies combine the tartness of cranberries and fresh orange zest, creating a festive favorite perfect for the holiday season.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 30 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar This sweetener provides the perfect level of sweetness and a lovely crunch.
  • 1 cup brown sugar The molasses in brown sugar adds richness.
  • 2 large eggs These help bind everything together and add moisture.
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of our cookies. Don’t overmix!
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Creates a light and airy texture.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
  • 1 cup dried cranberries Use good quality for that tart punch.
  • Zest of 1 orange orange zest Brings freshness and brightens each bite.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds warmth and depth to the cookies.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy and pale (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, folding gently.
  5. Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
  6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavors and prevent excessive spreading. Use quality ingredients for better cookies. Consider adding spices or nuts for variations.